Committee and our Volunteers

Gene Myers

Chair 

My father played harmonica, but it was after I saw James Cotton perform in 1977 that I bought my first diatonic harmonica and started playing. I’ve had a diverse professional life in the visual arts and technology that has demanded my attention for most of my adult life. In 2019, when I discovered Harpin’ by The Sea was hosted in my neighbourhood, I become interested again and soon after joined Harmonica UK. In 2023 I began studying blues on the diatonic harmonica more seriously but have also developed an interest in Folk and Jazz on the chromatic, tremolo, chord and bass harmonicas. I’m the Founder, Board Member, and Chief Technical Officer of a listed technology company

Simon Joy

Secretary

As the only tremolo player on the committee, Simon is carrying the torch for all the members who play tremolo and double reed instruments. He is using his background of working in health and social care to oversee HarmonicaUK’s commitment to safeguarding and managing risk. He looks forward to meeting members and playing some tunes together. 

Darren Lampon

Treasurer and Vice Chair

I am an accountant, mostly working in manufacturing, although never actually getting my hands dirty, there is something great about creating something tangible. I can’t do it, but I can help.

I played the guitar in bands for many years in the Midlands but have not been involved in making music for a very long time. Realising I wanted something more vocal, I decided on the diatomic harmonica in 2021. I do not like a specific style of music but enjoy the more chordal playing styles requiring 100% tongue blocking.

Lee van Crugten

Membership

I served 34 years in the military, retiring in 2013 and now enjoying a second career, contently running a private cemetery in Plymouth UK.  With no musical background what so ever, I am currently learning  diatonic harmonica. I have to admit to playing golf more than I play harmonica these days.

Aidan Sheenhan

Outreach Manager

Aidan is a self-employed musician, workshop leader and qualified teacher (PGCE, University of Wales) working via many organisations. He plays a variety of instruments including, harmonicas, button accordions, mandolin, guitar, Irish whistles & flutes, folk percussion and a range of other folk instruments.

He delivers online training and has many Zoom students. He has worked in HM Park teaching inmates, at Army barracks teaching ex-military personnel, in various schools, also with excluded or home-schooled children, Gypsies and Travellers, Polish community in Wales, with asylum seekers and many other groups. Aidan also has a qualification in Counselling. 

Lisa Presland

Communications Manager

Lisa has been playing harmonica for just over 4 years. I’m finding it to be both addictive and fantastic fun. She plays diatonic harmonica and is solely focused on playing the blues. Her favourite player is Snooky Pryor. Lisa has a YouTube channel, @rocketgirllise, with over 1600 subscribers.

Lisa wants to give something back to the harmonica community and Harmonica UK. The October festivals, have been a brilliant experience for me, meeting so many harmonica enthusiasts and famous players. She wants to bring fun and a modern, dynamic approach that engages our members. 

Harmonica World team

• Gene Myers - editor
• Steve Pardue - design
• Pip Phillips - advertising

Communications team

• Gary Croad
• Charlotte Oliver
• Joe French
• Gary Newman

Specialist support

• Roger Trobridge - archivist
• Barry Elms - webmaster
• Mike Netherton - health and safety advice